“I never sweat the small stuff”

at age 85. She continued driving an automobile until she was 95. And she lived in a home by herself before moving into Lexington Park at age 97.

While many near her age are completely bedridden, Viola continues living an active life. Whenever the retirement community holds karaoke, she shares her beautiful voice and wows fellow residents with her renditions of “America the Beautiful” and “Blue Skies.” She is also a regular participant in the Bridgeport at Lake Miona Christmas Parade, where she rides in a golf cart, dons a red Santa hat and waves to spectators.

Perhaps her favorite activity is brunch each Sunday at IHOP with her daughter, Janet Schlegel, and son, Gregg Toland, both residents of The Villages.

“I always look forward to pancakes, eggs and bacon,” she says. “They taste so good!”